Days Gone By - 2013 MoM Line-up, in no particular order . . .

Sarah Burton Band

"..full of earthy and earnest sounds coming across at times like Lucinda Williams' little sister. A little sassier, certainly more energetic but with a voice that leans back against the bar and tells it like it is..."Americana UK Released in August 2012, Sarah Burton's Fire Breathers consists of 13 songs spun together by a spaghetti-western love story that follows three imperfect characters: the outlaw, the lady, and the man who was too good, through the torments and the pleasures of the heart. The album is distributed by Fontana North/Universal, courtesy of Tonic Records, Vancouver. Portraying the "lady" in the FIRE BREATHERS story, is Miss Sarah Burton, and something got under her skin in this new release. From the edgy and fiercely independent sound of her previous album,Mayflower (containing such songs as"Antimonogamy" and "If This Is A Sin"), Fire Breathers shows more love to the opposite sex with songs like the lead out rocker "Raise The Bar", the power pop of "Love to Love You", and the raunchy blues-rock of "My Man". While softening her lyrical approach, Sarah also raised the bar herself on the sound and feel of this collection. Straight up rock 'n roll, dirty blues riffs, a little twang, and pop treatments run rampant throughout, thanks to the contributions of "the outlaw", bass player Luke Stackhouse, and "the man who was too good", guitar player Jay Swinnerton. Each song is unique while still flowing with style of the album; a piece of Canadiana splendor. Fire Breathers will leave you breathless. "There's a slightly rough and ready feel to the instrumentation that suits Burton's vibrant and versatile vocals."Kerry Doole, Exclaim Magazine

Jeff Andrew

Live, Andrew takes his cue from folk punk bands like The Devil Makes Three and Graveyard Train to make his shows as rowdy as possible. He frequently works straight from the floor, stomping his boots and belting like a born-again carnival barker. Whether solo or with a band (he keeps pieces of them scattered across the country), pounding his guitar strings or chopping and sawing away at the fiddle (he sings while playing it, an old-time style that's been revived by players like Bruce Molsky and Casey Driessen), he never fails to impress and leaves audiences shaken, sweating and ready for more. "Phill Saylor-Wisor (of The Shiftless Rounders and Stripmall Ballads) told me he sometimes imagines what he'd say on stage and how he'd play if he knew he was gonna die on the way home," says Andrew. "So now I try to do every show like that. We're running out of time, so whatever you're gonna do in life, don't wait! Do it now."

"After 11 years in the trenches, Canadian slide guitarist Rachelle van Zanten is done with bands. In 2006 she released her first solo album, “Back to Francois”, which is packed with funky blues riffs and stellar slide performances. The surprise is that van Zanten juxtaposes her gutsy guitar playing with very personal and introspective lyrics- a stylistic trait she attributes to her diverse influences" (Guitar Player Magazine U.S.- Oct. 2006).

She has come a long way from her bluegrass upbringing in the foothills of northern British Columbia, recently recording a rock album with producer Joby Baker (Cowboy Junkies, Alex Cuba, The Weakerthans, Mae Moore) and world-renowned sound engineer, Tchad Blake (Sheryl Crow, Paul Simon, Tom Waits, Richard Thompson, Los Lobos, Pearl Jam). Rachelle is a unique and eclectic Americana singer-songwriter much in the style of Lucinda Williams.

Smashing out a beat with a rusty chain on a dirty old broiler pan and a suitcase kick drum, this one man show can entertain like a full band without a microphone.

Scott is coming back to MoM for the first time since 2010, after a hiatus in Montreal. After seeing him perform at Sweetwater 905, we know he's gonna hit us hard this year!!

Born in Cities

Born in Cities features Victoria-based musicians, Auto Jansz and Andrea June.2012 Vancouver Island Music Awards Nominees: Auto Jansz –Female Songwriter of theYear; Andrea June –Female Vocalist of the Year Andrea June is “a wonderful singer and a talented multi-instrumentalist who brings fire to the stage.” Jennifer Louise Taylor, Musician Auto’s songs “have all the classic virtues of roots music while sounding fresh and contemporary, never lapsing into stolid folk puritanism.” Randy Gelling, Station Manager, CFUV 101.9 FM“a wonderful blend of roots, folk, and heartfelt lyrics. . . when first hearing this new EP [Red Lights, Money and Wine], I am immediately reminded and proud of great Canadian artists, and Auto hasjoined them.” Jason Valleau, Mountain View Music Festival Artistic Director Andrea has “an eclectic and interesting mix of songs. . . . catchy accordion. . . funky piano and June’s gorgeous voice.” Grant McKenzie, Editor-in-Chief, Monday Magazine From Winnipeg punk to Victoria folk and ragtime, Auto Jansz has earned her musical stripes. As a member of popular roots band, Barley Wik, her songs and style turned many heads in the Canadian roots community. Barley Wik won Album of the Year at the 2004 Vancouver Island Music Awards, and since then, Auto has come into her own with solo recordings and performances that are making Canadian roots fans sit up and listen. After graduating from the Canadian College of the Performing Arts, and a brief stint in McGill University’s opera program, Andrea June explored the vocal territory of jazz and pop. As a songwriter, she weaves influences from Beethoven to Bartok with the comforting familiarity of roots music to create a sound that is both soothing and unexpected. In 2010, her song, “The Tide,” was shortlisted for the Island Singer-Songwriter contest. One burly biker approached them after a show and said he was so moved by “The Tide,” that they “actually brought a tear to my eye!” But this is not uncommon. On stage, Auto Jansz and Andrea June offer a marvelous alchemy of sound, combining Auto’s flare for roots, ragtime, and toe-tapping rhythms with Andrea’s vocal lines, running the gamut from haunting to cheeky. Like old friends, the audience is invited to share in the simple joy of music-making, too. “We’re all in a band together,” Auto says. It’s plain to see in the playful connection they make with the audience, from sharing “stupid clean jokes,” to handing out instruments for hootenanny style accompaniment

King Crow and the Ladies From Hell

King Crow and the Ladies From Hell is an untethered dance party where folk music meets gypsy punk and loud Irish drinking songs. A nine-headed performing behemoth, King Crow and the Ladies From Hell hails from beneath the moss of a small city located deep in the rainforest of northwestern British Columbia called Terrace.

The eclectic collective of singer-songwriters produces a collision of genres that results in a feverish call to dance that has yet to go unheeded. From sweaty community centres, to dingey bars, the tops of ski hills and folk music festivals to large outdoor concerts - King Crow and the Ladies From Hell have filled dance floors of all descriptions in their quest for world domination (also known as plunderin’ and scallywaggin‘).

Formed in 2011, King Crow and the Ladies From Hell have been asked to play a wide range of main stage performances including Terrace’s Concerts in the Park (2011 and 2012), the Kispiox Folk Music Festival (2012), Riverside Festival (2011) and the Terrace and District Arts Council Music in the Park (2012). They were headliners at the 2012 Smithers Folk Music Festival and played the mainstage at Prince George’s annual week-long music extravaganza called the Coldsnap Festival in January of 2013.

Samantha Scott

Samantha Scott is a powerful voice that expresses much about what we feel Mom is about...

Samantha Scott uplifts us with her strong folky rhythms and illuminating lyrical style. Influenced by a life on the move her music will take you from the Northern nights, to the Southern cities of B.C. She reminds us that, on the road to life, "you may not be where you want to be, but you can always see what you want to see."

Jen Lane and John Antoniuk

Think of Steve Earle and Allison Moorer or Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons and you get a good idea of where these two Saskatoon singer-songwriters are coming from.They compliment one another beautifully as they perform each other's music. John Antoniuk comes from the indie-folk side of life and Jen Lane has a little more country in her repertoire. Together, they create straight ahead rhythms and harmonies that complete the musical package. They have performed many times on a National stage showcasing at Canadian Music Week, North by Northeast and Prairie Scene, and achieved international recognition with four showcases at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas.

Crystal Charlotte

My artworks express what I see beneath the surface of people, animals, plants, places. I use symbols, color, text, and a layering process that is infused with prayer for healing: to heal myself, to heal others, to heal communities and our relationship with the Earth.

Sometimes my art is a call, drawing attention to an issue that needs redress; sometimes it's a chance to steal a moment for beauty and contemplation during our busy lives- we all need recharging and I have no doubt Art does that for us... Sometimes it is meant to transform the space where it hangs- to give a feeling of compassion and sanctuary.

I live in my relationship to Our Creator, and I perceive the world in the context of the Four Directions Medicine Wheel as it was taught to me by my respected Elders when I was young. Everyday I wake up wondering how I can serve my relations...I even dream about it. Ideas come and go, many see fruit and many stay dormant and develop over time... As I approach mid-life, I've finally come to understand that nothing is really wasted when you are an Artist... you just have lots of "compost" for later.

My Education includes a Bachelor of Arts Major in First Nation Studies, and 3 years of part time training in Visual Art. I recently completed training in the Color of Woman Method by Shiloh Sophia McCloud and have begun delivering workshops to those who wish to create their own healing Art.

Navaz

Navaz began as a musical collaboration between Neda Jalali and Eric Tompkins. Eric's jazz and Latin guitar stylings and his interest in world music compliments Neda's beautifully haunting voice. The mystical poetry of Hafez and Rumi, traditional Persian melodies, jazz, Latin and blues rhythms are all part of the Navaz experience. In 2008 they released their second CD titled Onsu – The Other Side.

Since then they have performed on CBC a number of times (notably, Canada Live) and at festivals and other venues. In the summer of 2012 they released their third CD Fire Within.

Joey Only Band

The great country/punk/anarchist returns to MoM with a Hot new band and a new look at the world.Joey Only Outlaw BandThey are the band that everyone in Quesnel, who doesn't listen to rap, are suddenly talking about. After 1000 shows on the road Joey figured his music playing days were done settling himself into family life in the Cariboo with his dudette of duets Leah Martin. What he didn't count on was how Outlaws attract! Suddenly, without really trying, he's sporting a hot sounding band again of dedicated dudes grown organically by 'practicing' in the Wells Hotel Pub all winter long. They are faster, badder and meaner than ever with their sights increasingly set on regaining Joey's title as the King of Canadiana Outlaw Country!!

Joey Only has climbed 80 mountains, is an experienced wilderness guide, has chased tornadoes, been struck by lightning, nearly died of tuberculosis, had vocal surgery, smashed his face, been lost in the barrens, and incarcerated for activism. He was publicly deemed a terrorist by Victoria BC police in this way. He's hitchhiked 50,000km as a youth, played a 1000 shows in different bands, failed out of University, kicked out of seminary, tried to ride a moose and fought an aggressive mother bear. Joey has been a published author on an array of subjects appearing in BC Musician Magazine, MapleLeafs.com and in newspapers across the country. Joey is pro-cannabis advocate, a former downtown eastside Vancouver healthcare worker and still thinks the Leafs will win the Cup any day now. Joey now lives in Wells, BC with his wife Leah and Daughter Willow, where he prospects for gold. He does things that no Canadian musician has ever done and is best compared to a modern version of Woody Guthrie.

Barefoot Caravan

Knowledge
of the Arts does not belong only to the nation from which it came, it belongs
to us all.

Barefoot Caravan believes in the influence that music has towards creating cultural
awareness.
Music and
the arts are a gateway to knowing ourselves; a window to the soul. To know
ourselves is why music is so important in the world today. This is the
intention the group plays with.

Barefoot Caravan is a five piece that performs indigenous songs in various
languages that represent the people of the world. They combine these traditional songs with
upbeat rhythms and three part harmonies.
As well, they write and perform original music.

The
Collective is based in BC's Okanagan. They travel the province, performing on
outdoor stages and at festivals in the summertime. In the winter they perform at house concerts,
carnivals and in schools for BC artists in residency programs. Video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6V1z-_PuhM
They are a
group who truly shares the greater goal of re-connecting us all to the world we
live in together.Each song brings new musical roots to
experience, as well as the cultural origins from which the songs were born.

Nice Verdes

Since first meeting in 2003, Nice Verdes has come along way round the world. The last few years has seen them play such festivals as ILLAWARRA FOLK FESTIVAL in N.S.W, THE EDGE OF THE WORLD FESTIVAL in B.C Canada, THE NANNUP MUSIC FESTIVAL in W.A, a Cd launch tour of the east coast of Australia and a Western Australian and North American tour too.

Throughout the years together they have travelled to study and perform in many countries that have inspired and developed their style, such as Cuba, Senegal, and Central America. They have always been drawn to collaborating with artists from all countries and they enjoy most of all the parties and festivals that celebrate a strong sense of community and equality in diversity.

Folky Strum Strum

Folk - the traditional and typically anonymous music that is an expression of the life of people in a community

Strum - sound the strings of (a string instrument)

Folky Strum Strum - “The group has been described by fans as having a unique and soulful sound, that is backed by exceptional songwriting.” with musicians all reigning within an hour and 15mins proximity of Rolla ,BC There is constant talk about style in music. We analyze genres and scenes, we pick apart influences and commonalities. For the most part, and I say this with no great joy, bands can be categorized. But the Folky Strum Strum became more than a genre or scene or a fusion of styles. "They" are, "the touching voice of something beyond human". Hearing their songs live was like tapping into actual meaning. Iyan Bruvold - Singer songwriter, Banjo, Guitar Amy Gothard- Upright Bass Brianne Hudson- Sax, Fiddle

Nadine Kellman and the Black Wonders

Years ago on the wintry plain of Edmonton, Alberta, a guitar was smashed. This guitar belonged to Ms. Nadine Kellman – musical raconteur extraordinaire. What followed was an exchange with a drunken pawnshop owner for an overpriced guitar and a hard-won ascent into soulful, bluesy daydreams. Thus began Nadine’s musical wanderings and stubborn obsession with guitars. Nadine has recently begun serenading the scene with her electric guitar odes, inspired by evil exes and guitar adoration. Her blues-tinged folk is an avenue for her trademark witty retorts and open letter songwriting. When not strumming solo, she plays with fellow musician, Breezy Brian Gregg, and the Black Wonders, a local super group of sorts. Under Nadine’s control, lost opportunities and horrible lovers become an opportunity to channel the soulful vocals of Nina and the raw passion of Ani. Nadine has been playing music since 1999 and has performed extensively in the last few years.

The Party On High Street

Travis Charuk - Electric & Acoustic Guitar/ Vox Brin Porter - Electric & Double Bass/ Vox Nick Houghton- Drums & Percussion / Vox .......... Praises for the Party......... "So long as guys in The Party on High Street are dancing along with the audience, they’re doing what they set out to do: start the party." - Victoria News "The Party bobbed and boogied with relaxed joie de vivre" - Times Colonist "...a great blend of groove and party...they will keep you moving all night long" - The Martlet "...this is the band from 'Into The Wild' " - Nikko of Savage Blade 'This is music for shimmying, for funking your way through a Friday night. The Party on High Street delivers high-energy funk music, rarely slowing down to give the dancing masses a breath.' - The Martlet

Mike FreeSoul Band

MoM Goers know Mike Freesoul from the very beginning of this quest. Now, he brings extra energy and fresh new vibes with his hot new 4-piece band!

After seeing them perform at Folkanagan this spring, MoM can attest to the sharp, danceable and original sound of Mike Freesoul Band!

The Big River Boys are a
hard-partying group of friends, hailing from the muddy banks of Big River,
Saskatchewan. Once proclaimed the fifth best garage band in the world, they
have since outgrown their small town roots and are in search of inspiration and
adventure. This rockin' group plays a wide variety of music, seamlessly
swapping vocals and instruments like they once swapped girlfriends. When and if
these boys are running low on songs to play they can always count on their
drummer “Roadie Joe“ to belt out a Burton Cummings song that only a wedding
crowd could love. So, lock up your left over liquor and and put on your dancing
shoes, The Big River Boys are on their way!

Bill and Ingrid

Bill and Ingrid are well loved performers from right here in Fort St. James. They have been teaching and entertaining us with Ingrid's beautiful and haunting voice, and Bill's guitar riffs and bass tracks.

Well known for great blues, country and rock covers, they will be bringing out some of their original material this year so don't miss their show!

Dave Soroka

Dave Soroka, Rock and Roll Poet, has played in FSJ before. If you haven't heard him, well, you should!

"Well, it was sort of like, as I went around, putting the circuit together, I mean, it's not going to do much good for anyone if I just keep it in my pocket. I can work it, but it doesn't help anybody else. I thought it would be a good idea to spread it around. I got this picture of the interior of BC, y'know, with musicians out on the highway, driving or hitchhiking or whatever, and going from town to town, lotta music in the cafes. I thought it would be just a colourful kinda...see if we can bring back a sort of folk music scene, live folk music scene, maybe I could, y'know have some part in that. It'd be fun."

Lost & Found Puppet Company

Lost & Found Puppet Co. based in Vancouver, BC was created by Maggie Winston in 2007. Members of the company consist of Maggie Winston and any person interested in joining the company for any given project. Interdisciplinary collaboration and community activism are at the heart of Lost & Found Puppet Co.

Artist Bio: Maggie Winston’s artistic work involves individuals and communities engaging collectively to create original performances in the medium of puppetry- an art form that inherently incorporates all other art forms (theatre, visual arts, movement/choreography, music, storytelling, etc.). Inclusion, collaboration, and creative process are at the heart of Maggie’s work. Creative process is realized through an emphasis on imagination, exploration, natural impluse, and quality technique. As Artistic Director of Lost & Found Puppet Co., Maggie’s directed projects explore puppetry in all its aspects, discover stories of objects and our human relationships to them, and promote puppetry as a unique and valued art everyone can experience.

She received a Bachelor of Arts in Performance Puppetry from Sarah Lawrence College, NY with Dan Hurlin, and trained at the British American Drama Academy in London, UK. Her work has been featured at The Zipper (NYC), Firehall Arts Centre (BC), Vancouver Fringe Festival, Western Front (BC), In the House Festival (BC), Arts Wells (BC), Edge of the World Fest (BC), Out The Box Festival (Cape Town, SA) and many others. Maggie has collaborated with companies such as Vancouver Moving Theatre, Runaway Moon, The Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret, Katkatha Puppet Arts Trust (Delhi, India) and The Puppet Theatre Chandigarh (Chandigarh, India), Critical Mask Theatre Society and Sogo Visual Theatre (Cape Town, South Africa). She teaches theatre for children ages 2-19 at Arts Umbrella, various after-school programs, and community centres in and around Vancouver. Maggie is an artist facilitator for the Arts, Health, and Seniors Program with Chinese Seniors at Strathcona Community Centre. Recipient of the Incubator 3-year Artists Residency at Moberly Arts and Cultural Centre. Part of artist-in-residence teams through the Vancouver Park & Rec program at Kensington Community Centre and Renfrew Community Centre. Recipient of the Vancouver Mayor's Arts Award for Emerging Artist in the field of Community Arts.

War Dub

War~Dub a.k.a. War Wounds means we relate to Scarz we got internally & externally and we have been doing this on and off for the last 4 years. Music has always played a big roll in our lives and always will after were old man talking about rhyming on the mic back in the good old dayz... Hahaha music is the avenue to express that Raw emotion either Dark and sad or Happy and Bumpin!!!

Sunshine Medallion

Sorrows Bend

Brothers Dean and Karl Mattson have been collaborating for 16 years creating music and visual art that comes from the pioneering roots where they were born and raised in rural Northeastern British Columbia. The tales they tell are the darker seldom told stories of not just the happenings, but of the minds and circumstance that make the macabre unfold through generations.

Years of self discovery and self destruction have evolved into a project that they have now deeply committed to. Sorrows Bend. Sorrows Bend is an ongoing multimedia saga with a common thread of sorrow and loss. Historical fiction blends with the modern psyche to produce beauty in tragedy that all lead back to one place; a bend in the river, and a bend in the mind.

Doug Koyama

"Music and singing have always been a part of my life but never more than musical theatre and in the shower. In 2009 I was introduced to Improvised A Capella. A strong desire to sing in a multi-voice setting soon became a loop pedal."Doug Koyama sings about life, peace, love and truth but you would never know it from the lyrics in his songs. Actual words are replaced by invented language and sounds that, at times, sound more like Spanish, French, Russian or Klingon than English."Doug possess the heart of a lion and a lamb all rolled into one uniquely gifted and spiritual being. Doug shows what can be done with a fiercely open heart, an open mind and a little technology."–Linda McRae

Kart Mattson-Trouble in the Peace

A FEATURE DOCUMENTARY In the Peace River region trouble is brewing. As gas companies move heavily into northern BC, family farms suffer lethal gas leaks, stunned that such injustice could happen in Canada. From this mayhem emerges Karl Mattson: cowboy, artist, father. Small gas leaks are affecting the health of his herd and family. When a big leak comes, it will be deadly. But the media cares little for the plight of farmers like Karl. And while the government eagerly commits $4M to catching a mysterious ‘pipeline bomber’, it fails to regulate safety standards for its own citizens. The message is clear: industry trumps individuals. But Karl isn’t ready to roll over and die just yet.

Karl Mattson's "Escape Pod", built to represent his family's need to escape from the dangerous sour gas they are exposed to.

Ariane Loranger-Saindon

Capturing Music: Northern BC Music Festivals Photo Book Project

Prince Rupert-based photographer Arianne Loranger-Saindonis currently working on a photo book of Northern BC’s music festivals. This summer, she is traveling to nine festivals where she is taking photos and collecting stories. The book should be available for purchase in the summer of 2014 and part of the proceeds will go towards supporting the festivals themselves. If you are or have been a performer, organizer, or festival goer and would like to contribute a story, please contact Arianne at l.s.arianne@gmail.com.